Police: Mesa man planned to kill daughter, set wife on fire

PHOENIX -- A Mesa man was arrested Thursday after police learned he was allegedly planning to set his wife on fire and murder the couple's 3-year-old daughter.

Police were alerted to the plan by the roommate of 34-year-old Carlos Hillan, who was planning a copycat murder of one committed in Phoenix Tuesday. In that case, a man murdered his estranged wife, daughter and brother-in-law. His wife's body was found burning in the backyard.

Police say Hillan's roommate called them about the plot.

Hillan was found by police at the home of his estranged wife. He was spotted jumping over the back fence and police said he had a gas can and lighter in his possession. He told police he planned to kill both his wife and daughter.

Hillan was booked on two counts of first-degree murder, attempted arson and burglary.